Μεταμεσαιωνικός γυαλί Ντεκαντέρ (Καράφα) - 197 mm (χωρίς τιμή ασφαλείας)

18th Century Glass Decanter (Carafe)

Culture / Period: Post-Medieval
Date / Period: 18th century
Material: Glass
Dimensions: 197 mm height
Condition: Good condition, with minor surface wear and slight inclusions consistent with hand-blown glass

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Provenance information:
Object Registration ID: 96

The current owner purchased the glass decanter from a private collector, N.N., in Utrecht.
The previous owner, a private collector, N.N. from Utrecht (the Netherlands), stated that the object had been in his collection since an unknown date.
According to the previous owner, the object had previously been in a private collection in the Netherlands since the 1990s.
No further information concerning the earlier ownership history of the object was available from the previous owner.

Background Information:
This elegant glass decanter, or carafe, is a representative example of 18th-century European glassware, produced during a period of significant refinement in glassmaking techniques. The form, with its rounded body, narrow neck, and slightly flared rim, reflects a functional yet balanced design intended for the serving and storage of liquids such as wine, water, or spirits.

The vessel was likely produced using free-blown glass techniques, where molten glass was shaped by hand without the use of moulds. Subtle variations in thickness and the presence of minor inclusions are characteristic of this method and attest to its hand-crafted nature. The slightly thickened base and carefully formed neck demonstrate control and skill in the shaping process, typical of experienced glassmakers working in established production centres.

During the 18th century, glass production flourished across Europe, particularly in regions such as the Low Countries, Germany, and England. Glassware became increasingly accessible, not only for elite households but also for the growing middle class. Decanters and carafes formed an essential part of tableware, used in both domestic and social settings, including dining and hospitality.

Such vessels were integral to the evolving culture of dining and drinking, where presentation and service became more refined. The clarity of the glass allowed the contents to be visible, enhancing both practical use and aesthetic appreciation. These objects were often part of coordinated table services and reflect broader developments in material culture and social customs of the period.

This piece illustrates the transition from purely utilitarian vessels to more refined and aesthetically considered forms in early modern Europe. It provides a tangible connection to everyday life in the 18th century, where objects of this kind played an important role in domestic routines and social interaction.